Dee Dee delivers distinctively with NJSO

Addressing a parcel of gems from the American Popular Songbook with decided panache, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater teamed with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for a light-hearted NJSO Pops concert Saturday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Prudential Hall in Newark.

Veteran vocalist Bridgewater, a Parisian expatriate since 1986, remains well known to Jerseyans and far beyond, both for her vocal charms and for her hosting of National Public Radio's "Jazz Set" -- produced by Newark's WBGO-FM (88.3), and airing on the station Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.

Bridgewater looked distinctive, with her shaved head and striking outfit of red dress accompanied by a multi-colored shawl and jeweled sandals. And she sounded distinctive, too, her bravura alto capable of ringing high tones, powerful chest tones and swooping lows, all delivered with spot-on pitch.

The NJSO was aces, as well. Conducted with precision and gusto by Gerald Steichen, the ensemble was fattened with saxes, trombones, trumpets and drum set to give the big band feel that the arrangements required. Hearing those instruments in conjunction with, and in contrast to, the orchestra's meaty strings was a pleasure.

Bridgewater's aesthetic centered on having fun, and she was a convivial emcee with her share of juicy remarks. This attitude gave her upbeat numbers like "My Favorite Things" and "Let's Do It" a perky, happy flavor, but somewhat undermined her poignant ballads, as on "Come Sunday.

"Let's Do It," taken from her Grammy-winning "Dear Ella" Verve CD, characterized her playfulness. She approached the lyrics almost tongue-in-cheek -- which, to be fair, fit the Porter classic. The keen John Clayton arrangement went to ballad tempo at the bridge -- a smart touch. Here, as elsewhere, the leader received stellar support form her trio of pianist Edsel Gomez, bassist Ira Coleman and drummer Adam Cruz -- who all had solid solo spots during the performance.

On "Favorite Things," Bridgewater deftly rode the boisterous waltz groove, hitting her phrases with power. "Stairway to the Stars," another Clayton chart, found her employing a little girl voice at points, and scatting skillfully, mimicking a muted slide trombone.

"Speak Low," arranged by her former husband, trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, had a rumbling Latin beat. The singer flowed smoothly with the rhythm, her lyric delivery engaging. "Love and Harmony," a Cecil Bridgewater instrumental affixed with words by the vocalist, was another winner.

"The Shadow of Your Smile" was offered as a bolero via arranger Lalo Schifrin. Bridgewater's somewhat overly dramatic reading lessened the song's impact. Also a bit off the mark was Strayhorn's "Lush Life." The walking ballad tempo led to lyrics that felt rushed, though Eddie Salkin's tenor saxophone solo was outstanding.

Bridgewater ended the night with a welcome recommendation: She encouraged her appreciative audience to go out and hear live music again soon.

The NJSO opened the evening, scoring with a spirited Ellington-Strayhorn medley arranged by Trenton's Bill Holcombe, who had written for Tommy Dorsey. "Take the 'A' Train" boasted an Ellington-like brass-heavy sound, and "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Sophisticated Lady" spotlighted Ed Joffe's vibrant-toned alto saxophone. The strings shone both on a gentle "Solitude" and a robust "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)."